Police investigate abuse allegations in D.C. fire station

WASHINGTON – D.C. police are investigating an allegation that a female firefighter was sexually abused inside the M Street fire house on Friday, May 31.

The female firefighter says she was sleeping when she was awakened by someone touching her thigh.

Police are not saying anything about possible suspects, but the firefighters union and the D.C. Fire Department have confirmed that four fighters have been put on desk duty with no contact with the public because of the accusation.

Two of those firefighters are under investigation, while the other two are supervisors.

Ed Smith, the union’s president, called for a fair and thorough investigation of the accusation in a written statement:

We are watching this situation closely and are concerned anytime there are such allegations. Local 36 represents all of the firefighters and urges the department to conduct a thorough investigation in a timely manner that is fair to all.